Steel column to concrete beam connection confusion
Steel column to concrete beam connection confusion
(OP)
Hello folks,
I am trying to design a steel column to concrete beam connection and since I have never done this I am very unsure as to how to do this. Here is the background of the problem:
1. A steel column is to be installed between two existing concrete beams as shown in Figure 1. The purpose is to support the top beam as it could be over stressed in the future.
2. Since the steel column is to inserted in between two existing beams it does not make sense to me to simply weld a base plate on each end of the column (i.e. there is a constructability problem). I cannot assume the steel column will fit perfectly between the beams.
a. Therefore, I propose welding one base plate to one end of the steel column (Figure 2).
b. The other end will be bolt connected as shown in Figure 3. I am thinking of using an angle connected to the base plate and connected to the column web. The angle would be bolt connected to both the base plate and the column flange. The purpose of the connection is to allow some flexibility during construction. The column can be field drilled.
3. The load is almost entirely vertical.
4. The W section has plenty of capacity.
I have attached a sketch to illustrate the situation.The sketch correctly oriented is in page 2.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. If you could tell me what you would do (or consider) or if you could guide me to a source it would be great.
Thanking you in advance.
I am trying to design a steel column to concrete beam connection and since I have never done this I am very unsure as to how to do this. Here is the background of the problem:
1. A steel column is to be installed between two existing concrete beams as shown in Figure 1. The purpose is to support the top beam as it could be over stressed in the future.
2. Since the steel column is to inserted in between two existing beams it does not make sense to me to simply weld a base plate on each end of the column (i.e. there is a constructability problem). I cannot assume the steel column will fit perfectly between the beams.
a. Therefore, I propose welding one base plate to one end of the steel column (Figure 2).
b. The other end will be bolt connected as shown in Figure 3. I am thinking of using an angle connected to the base plate and connected to the column web. The angle would be bolt connected to both the base plate and the column flange. The purpose of the connection is to allow some flexibility during construction. The column can be field drilled.
3. The load is almost entirely vertical.
4. The W section has plenty of capacity.
I have attached a sketch to illustrate the situation.The sketch correctly oriented is in page 2.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. If you could tell me what you would do (or consider) or if you could guide me to a source it would be great.
Thanking you in advance.






RE: Steel column to concrete beam connection confusion
RE: Steel column to concrete beam connection confusion
I was already planning on using grout but not to fill the gap. I will consider that option today.
I have attached the sketch once more as a PDF.
RE: Steel column to concrete beam connection confusion
RE: Steel column to concrete beam connection confusion
BA
RE: Steel column to concrete beam connection confusion
I have drawings of the beams, but they are too high for me to climb up and actually measure. Because of this I am afraid the column will not fit exactly.
If the column is made shorter and I don't specify the grout thickness the workers might have to make a 4" thick grout layer for example.
Would this grout thickness not change the local behaviour? For example, the rebar clearance was assumed to have a certain value, but because of this thick grout my assumption is no longer valid.
Does the grout idea still seem practical to you?
RE: Steel column to concrete beam connection confusion
RE: Steel column to concrete beam connection confusion
Shove the column up to meet the underside of beam (you might want to put a neoprene filler on the plate for better bearing). Jack the column to put a slight compression in it, then fill the three or four inch space below the base plate with steel packing and grout.
It might be better to turn the column 90 degrees so that its flanges are parallel to the beam.
BA
RE: Steel column to concrete beam connection confusion